The Queen City of Charlotte NC

If you value something that is warm, safe, and friendly, and also has a bit of a rustic feel added to it, you must give Stoke Charlotte a try. Located at the Marriott City Center, the place gives all the vibe of your local neighborhood eatery, but with an added level of efficiency – forming a formidable combination. The makers of the restaurant believed that the kitchen is a special place – it’s where the party really starts and where people really interact and get close – and proceeded to infuse this quality in their creation by creating an ambience that combines the efficiency of a restaurant with the warmth and safety of neighborhood gatherings.

Led by Executive Chef Chris Coleman, who was born in brought up in the city’s Mountain Island Lake community, the restaurant has all the items you could expect at your neighborhood dine, and more. From the classic mac-and-cheese and brussels sprouts to special Parfaits, and with separate menus for everyday brunches and dinners, Stoke Charlotte has a wide variety of offerings – the ingredients for which are all sourced from local farmers.

All in all, it is the ideal place to be to get-together with your close-knit community of family and friends and enjoy the laid-back vibe.

Contact Information:

Address: Marriott City Center | 100 W Trade St, Charlotte, Nc 28202

Phone: 704-353-6005

Website: http://www.stokecharlotte.com

Want to experience authentic Southern cuisine with a modern twist in warm, friendly settings? Then head over to Dogwood Southern Table & Bar!

A modern restaurant with a familiar feel, Dogwood is ideal for all kinds of audiences, but especially suited to families, who will enjoy the friendliness and familiarity. True to its theme, the restaurant celebrates the culinary traditions of the South, but with a contemporary perspective that is all of its own. Led by Executive Chef Scott Hollingsworth, it has an authentic Southern menu with all the items you could possible expect (think smoked barbecue, pimento cheese, oysters on the half shell, and of course the North Carolina shrimp). Dogwood also boasts one of the best wine menus in all of Charlotte, and regularly hosts beer and cocktail programs that promote classic drinks with a modern twist, along with some of the best in-house mixers.

The restaurant boats rich Southern ambience; designed by famed designer Tim Demmit, Dogwood has all the classic features like reclaimed wood accents, fireplaces, imposing brick walls, and of course, the open kitchen. What really sets them apart, however, is the fact that they are big believers of sustainability – and source everything – from food to decor to art and even most equipment locally. They highlight and feature their local sources and ensure that their audience knows everyone who has helped create the Dogwood Southern experience.

Contact Information:

Address: 4905 Ashley Park Ln, Charlotte, NC 28210

Phone: 704-910-4919

Website: http://www.dogwoodsoutherntable.com/

If you are a fan of history and cannot stop from the obsessing over the vintage, the Fig Tree Restaurant is the ideal place for you. Located in Charlotte’s Elizabeth neighborhood, the famed, upscale restaurant sits pretty inside the 1913 craftsman-style bungalow called the Lucas House and is named in honor of the four majestic brown Turkey fig trees that stand on its grounds.

Ideal for those looking for a high-end upscale experience (in terms of both cuisine and ambience), the restaurant is ideal for those looking for a more personal and intimate experience. The menu is rich, with exclusive items that have been cooked in the most traditional style. There is also a full-service bar, with some of the best and most perfectly paired wines that enhance the dinner experience to a whole new level.

Ambience-wise, the Fig Tree Restaurant is truly unique – and boasts a rare combination of rich vintages than no other place can provide. The place has aesthetically pleasing features, from its five massive dining rooms and veranda and patio seating arrangements, to the grand fireplaces that are a symbol of the era to which the building’s origin belongs.

The place also boasts a location unlike any – not only is the building itself a Pre-World War I one, it is located across Independence Park (one of Charlotte’s first public parks) and is only minutes away from the iconic City Center.

Contact Information:

Address: 1601 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28204

Phone: 704-332-3322

Website: http://www.charlottefigtree.com/

If you’re among the many looking to get a flavor of the mushroom boom in Charlotte, and know more about their journey, you need not look further than Urban Gourmet Farms. Located on Griffith road, Urban Gourmet is one of the city’s most reputed mushroom farms known for their self-sustained and organic farming style.

A strict departure from the “packed and processed” style of farming, cultivators at Urban Gourmet Farms believe in quality over quantity, and in the principle that consumers must get the best possible products grown with the best of practices. To that end, the farm does not use any pesticides or chemicals and instead utilizes a climate control system that allows them to simulate the ideal climate required for any particular mushroom species to grow.

All mushrooms within the farm are grown in bags which simulate the ideal humidity and temperature. Furthermore, the mushrooms are grown on organic mediums (substrate), which too are locally sourced as much as possible.

Urban Gourmet Farms cultivate several species of mushrooms – even the seasonal ones are grown within this farm courtesy their climate control systems. Examples include Lion’s Mane Mushrooms, Trumpet Mushrooms, Shiitake Mushroom, Oyster Mushrooms and Maitake (Hen of the Woods) Mushrooms, among others.

Contact Information:

Address: 594 Griffith Rd, Charlotte, NC 28217, USA

Phone: 980-505-1514

Website: https://www.urbangourmetfarms.com/

If you’re looking for a classic, traditional farm experience where you can truly enjoy with your family, then the Hodges Family Farm is the place to be. Located in Charlotte’s Mecklenburg County, the family-owned and operated farm is one of the biggest in the Queen City since the establishment of the Hodges House in 1908.

Spread across a massive 187-acre tract of farmland, the farm used to grow cotton and was used as a dairy farm. None of those activities are now pursued however, and the farm is now used as an educational one. That said, they still grow minor crops and have a thriving livestock-raising system.

The farm itself is a visual treat that showcases remnants of the elements of the era in which it originates. The Hodges House sits at the center of the farm – right between a large set of several agricultural structures, both contributing as well as noncontributing.

The Hodges Family Farm remains a private one throughout the year – however it does host some events that are public and free to attend. Activities include spring festivals (filled with activities like blowing bubbles and egg hunts), fruit-picking (the farm held its first ever strawberry-picking event in 2018), and of course the Annual Pumpkin Patch.

Contact Information:

Address: 3900 Rocky River Rd E, Charlotte, NC 28215, USA

Phone: 704-608-8897

Website: http://hodgesfarmnc.com

Want to experience classy dining in an upscale restaurant that also offers farm fresh food? Head over to The Asbury! Located in Uptown Charlotte’s iconic Dunhill Hotel, The Asbury specializes in serving staple Southern dishes with a twist to it, and truly does make its style work!

An Upscale, modern southern restaurant, The Asbury has a seasonally rotating menu that offers “Carolina faves with a modern twist” dishes such as Shrimp and Grits with Miso and Cast Iron Biscuits served with bacon jam (made using Executive Chef Chris Coleman’s grandmother’s recipe), alongside classic southern dishes such as fried green tomatoes and NC seafood boil. They also have a great brunch menu that needs to be seen (or rather, eaten) to be believed.

The ambience too is great. Don’t let the light gray walls fool you – this is a very upscale place that will give you that warm, familiar feeling, even if you’ve visited for the first time. They have a great outdoors section too, and you can opt between sitting inside and sitting out on the patio.

A little tip: Do try their deviled eggs and Maw Maw’s cast iron biscuits. And the cocktails. After all, they’re being served by Pete Ladino, who is basically a local hero in this department.

Contact Information:

Address: 235 North Tryon St. Charlotte, NC 28202

Phone: 704-342-1193

Website: http://www.theasbury.com

If you value something simple yet impactful, then you should definitely give Rooster’s Wood Fired Kitchen a try. Located in uptown Charlotte, practically everything about the place says that it’s simple and refined – a combination that is rare to find. The ambience is definitely a visual treat, with its candlelight-illuminated bars, and worn-wood booths and tables. Famous for its wood-fired grill, Rooster’s menu changes with every season, and feature classic, no-nonsense, farm-to-table delicacies. Though chicken is the main highlight of this place, they do offer other mains such as steak, pork chop and duck. They also offer a wide range of sides, from fire roasted beets and succotash to buttery-steamed spinach. They even have a great cheese board that can never disappoint.

All in all, this is the best place for a get-together with family and friends.

Contact Information:

Address: 150 N College St,  Charlotte, NC  28202

Phone: 704.370.7667

Website: https://roosterskitchen.com/

If you want to go dine in an environment that “feels like home,” then Kindred Restaurant is just the place for you. Owned by the husband-and-wife-duo Joe and Katy Kindred, the restaurant is in their own words, “A family in a restaurant.” Located in the very historic Davidson, NC, the chef-driven, family-owned restaurant loves its town, and most certainly does not fail to show it.

Taking a modern take on authentic Southern cuisine, this chic restaurant sources all its ingredients locally, changes the menus every season, believes in serving smaller portions and shows great presentation.

You definitely cannot leave this place without trying duck fat potatoes, the home-made milk break, as well as the crispy oysters. You can even order each of them and share them with your entire table.

Contact Information:

Address: 131 N Main St, Davidson, North Carolina  28036

Phone: (980) 231-5000

Website: http://kindreddavidson.com/

One of the youngest farm-to-table restaurants in Charlotte, Sea Level has managed to garner quite a lot of attention on itself not even two years into its operation. Located in the Hearst Tower in uptown Charlotte, Sea Level is the best example of the fact that appearance does matter (along with quality of course!), with its fabulous presentation and quirky details (such as free parking).

As the name itself implies, Sea Level specializes in serving farm-to-table seafood. No matter how far they go to get their materials, they always make sure to bring their ingredients directly from their farms, be it Charleston or Cape Cod. Sea Level is perhaps most-known for its craft cocktails and farm-to-table oysters, as well is its famous oyster bar on the patio. That said, it is also known for its other offerings.

With a menu that changes every day, Sea Level offers some of the best fish-dishes in the Queen City. Their menu is not limited to seafood, however, as they also serve other items such as the sandwich ‘Burgers for the land lovers’ and ‘Catfish Reuben and a lobster roll,” among others. You can even try their ‘Oyster Shooter’ if you feel up to it.

Contact Information:

Address: 129 East 5th St, Charlotte, NC 28202

Phone: (704) 412-2616

Website: http://sealevelnc.com

Are you looking to try some tasty-yet-healthy food and trying to find something new? In that case, you should definitely consider dining at FORK! Started in 2013, FORK! is located in Cornelius, and is owned by chef Tim Groody, who has finally started his own place after spending more than two decades working for other restaurant owners.

Located in a historic property, FORK! offers fresh and contemporary food in an upscale, vintage ambience. Following a strict policy that prohibits any artificial and imported food source, anything and everything that FORK! serves is 100% locally-sourced – meat, produce, herbs and all. Aside from seasonal dishes and sides, they offer staples such as coastal flounder, beef brisket, home-made mozzarella in a menu that changes every day.

Here’s a tip on getting the best out of this place: Do try sipping on a glass of wine while enjoying the scenery on the wrap-around porch. It’s one experience you will certainly never forget.

Contact Information:

Address: 20517 N Main St, Cornelius, NC 28031

Phone: (704) 655-7465

Website: http://www.forkdining.com

If you want to have great dinner in a classy setting, then Heirloom is just place for you to dine. Launched in early 2014, Heirloom is known for its singular dedication to offer the best and the freshest food.

One of the trendiest farm-to-table restaurants in Charlotte today, Heirloom was founded by Chef Clark Barlowe, who is a graduate of Charlotte’s Johnson & Wales University, and has worked for some of the most prestigious establishments of the world, such as elBulli (in Spain) and The French Laundry (in California).

The menu here changes every day, and is a cause of much anticipation from visitors, new and repeating alike. Heirloom’s menu offers a range of globally-inspired dishes with locally sourced ingredients, and includes various seasonal dishes along with staples such as sweet-potato gnocchi and angus steak. They also have a “catch of the day” section, featuring a special dish that is created from ingredients that have been exclusively produced in North Carolina. Since May, Heirloom has also been hosting family-style dinners.

Address: 8470 Bellhaven Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28216

Phone: 704.595.7710

Website: http://www.heirloomrestaurantnc.com/  

The first brewery in Plaza Midwood, Legion Brewing lies right in the heart of the place. This is a brewery that places great focus on the value of friendship, the company itself came from the ethos that sharing great beer with your friends a great pleasure of life. Sporting a rather rustic setting, Legion has an urban farmhouse-style brewery and taproom, along with a mezzanine which overlooks the brew house. Armed with an in-house caterer (ROOTS), Legion serves some great food.

The best thing about the place perhaps is the fact that you can take your pets (four-legged, mind you) and children too.

The 15-barrel neighborhood brewery is a meeting place of the “olde world” methods and the seasonal and local influences, which come together to craft high-quality uniquely-flavored beers.

Contact Information:

Address: 1906 Commonwealth Ave., Charlotte, NC 28205

Phone: (844) 467-5683

Website: http://legionbrewing.com

Making the best of the situation – now this is one brewery that can definitely be credited for this. Charlotte’s first Belgian-style brewery, Sugar Creek Brewing Company made The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery’s former home on Southside Drive its very own and how!

Sugar Creek Brewing Company is fascinating in its own right, with several resemblances to as well as stark differences from the previous tenants of the property. Set up quite quickly courtesy the fact that the property was already set up as a turnkey brewery, Sugar Creek opts for showcasing old-world styles, much like its predecessor. Not to mention the fact that it maintains a fine standard.

Sugar Creek does, however, favor Belgium over Germany, and to that end serves its high-quality beer in a manner that strongly resembles the ways of the Belgian Trappist monks.

One of its main highlights is being served the saison, witbier, and dubbel-style brews in a setting that can best be called a blend of refreshed maritime and steampunk.

You most certainly cannot leave Sugar Creek without trying its award-winning Sugar Creek’s Belgian Dubbel. This drink is a recipient of the silver medal at the 2015 U.S. Open Beer championship.

Sugar Creek’s menu is not limited to Belgian styles though. They also offer other interesting items such as Mocha Java Porter and hop-forward pale ale, among many others. They also have solutions for those who’d like something to eat with their beer, with their house-made paninis such as juicy jalapeño-spiced chicken breast or the Thermal Nuclear Kraken.

All in all, if you like the old world charm, yet would like to try something different, Sugar Creek is the place to go.

Contact Information:

Address: 215 Southside Dr., Charlotte, NC 28217

Phone: 704-521-3333

Website: sugarcreekbrewing.com

Three Spirits Brewery’s motto is simple – it wants to offer great beers in a great environment. An idea of a former ER doctor who was perhaps very inspired the “A Christmas Carol,” Three Spirits is spread across a 9,100-square-foot, 10-barrel brew house, whose interiors strongly resemble the story.

Started by a couple who are parents to elementary-attending children, Tabu and Jennifer have worked pretty hard to make sure that Three Spirits remains the most family-friendly brewery.

Not only does Three Spirits serve great drinks, they have a great food truck to go along with that too.

That said, there’s a lot you can do here other than the great drinks and food, such as taking part in the only escape room inside a brewery with Charlotte’s Cryptex Games, or playing classic arcade games. Now that’s really rare.

You cannot leave here without trying out the award-winning Red Moon Rising, Honey Porter and Agate Have It brown ale. All of these have won the U.S. Open Beer Championship.

Contact Information:

Address: 5046 Old Pineville Road, Charlotte, NC 28217

Phone: (980) 207-4881

Website: http://www.threespiritsbrewery.com

If you’re someone who loves to try new things, then this is just the place for you. One of many of Charlotte’s many new and emerging breweries, Triple C is located in the city’s fast-growing South End area. Opened in 2012, Triple C has a tap list so diverse that it might just put Queen City’s best breweries to shame.

Not only is Triple C very accessible no matter where you are in the city (all you need to do is get on the LYNX Light Rail and stop at the New Bern station to reach there), the newly emerged construction all around it means that the modern taproom of the brewery is practically teeming with die-hard beer fans, young and dashing professional, AND their dogs (yes that’s right, Triple C allows dogs!). You can even spend time with your canine companions outdoors on the umbrella-covered picnic tables. While Triple C has no in-house kitchen, the many food trucks parked outside will ensure that you won’t go hungry or longing for food.

No matter who you are and what your taste is, you’re bound to find something worth liking at Triple C.

Contact Information:

Address: 2900 Griffith St., Charlotte, NC 28203

Phone: 704-372-3212

Website: http://www.triplecbrewing.com/

Yet another great brewery among the emerging breweries in the rapidly-growing South End, Sycamore is a one-of-a-kind brewery with a great variety of high-quality beers. Opened by the husband-and-wife team of Justin and Sarah Brigham, who wanted to brew a hundred original beers within their first year (a bit unrealistic, to be honest), one has to admit that they haven’t exactly failed, having brewed their 60th unique beer.

Not only does Sycamore have its set of mainstays, such as Southerly OPA and Peak Farm Double Pale Ale, it also keeps on dishing out something new. Guaranteed, this is one place where you will always find something new, fresh and unique. The space is great too, with its rich interiors and spacious garden. Do take a taste of Sycamore’s award-winning Southern Girl Lager, the recipient of the bronze medal at the 2015 Great American Beer Festival.

Contact Information:

Address: 2161 Hawkins St., Charlotte, NC 28203

Phone: 704-910-3821

Website: www.sycamorebrew.com

First things first, there’s absolutely nothing unknown about this brewery. Except the fact that they always seem to handle everything with a smile. Opened by Brad Shell in November 2013, this is one place that you are bound to never forget.

Perhaps the best thing about Unknown Brewing Co. is the fact that it can – and does – take many by surprise. So if you walked in looking for the same old reclaimed lumber, you would be surprised to see the Hunter S. Thompson quote on the wall and the neon-green-flooring.

Shell, who has had an impressive career brewing with bacon, Sriracha, cream cheese, and 99 scorpions, offers a core lineup of a IPA, wheat, and pale ale, which may seem uninteresting, but is definitely is worth a try. Don’t forget to try out the three signature craft beers here: Ginger Wheat, Over the Edge American IPA, and Pre Game session ale .

Special Mention: The Motto – “step into the Unknown.”

Contact Information:

Address: 1327 S. Mint St., Charlotte, NC 28203

Phone: 980-237-2628

Website: http://www.unknownbrewing.com

If you want your beers to be less of a guilty pleasure, then this brewery is one you should definitely go to. Though not very far from Sycamore in terms of distance, it is quite far from it in terms of its menu.

Lenny Boy Brewing is one rare (if not the only) brewery to have a unique set of distinctions. The first is the fact that it is the only certified organic brewery in all of North Carolina, and makes its beer exclusively from organic ingredients. A name that is famous just as much for its Kombucha as it is for its beer, Lenny Boy still has the fermented tea as a major part of its business. Not only does the low-key taproom of Lenny Boy serve traditional beer and traditional kombucha, they also serve “wild ales,” which are basically alcoholic kombuchas. Even the food offered here is made from When here, make sure to try its famous Burn Down for What, which took away the Best Organic Sour prize at the 2015 National Organic Beer competition.

Contact Information:

Address: 2224 Hawkins St., Charlotte, NC 28209

Phone: n/a

Website: http://www.discoverlennyboy.com

Now there’s a brewery with the history… (well, at least the building it is in does have one)

A popular, contemporary brewpub in Highland Park Mill, the building which houses the Heist Brewery was in fact a cotton mill that was originally constructed in the early 1900s. Charlotte’s only independent brewpub, Heist offers a smart combination of house-made beers, craft cocktails and “twisted eats.” A place where unexpected combinations are more norm than exceptions, Heist Brewery offers creative “eats” in small plates, along with a range of flatbreads.

Heist’s beer menu has two broad divisions – core beers (such as the Out to Pasture saison), and rotating batch selections. They also offer a branch buffet every Sunday.

Contact Information:

Address: 2909 N. Davidson St., Suite 200, Charlotte, NC 28205

Phone: 704-375-8260

Website: https://heistbrewery.com

A neat brewery with a clear motto – to brew high-quality beer that’s unfiltered and has great flavor. Known for its free-spirit ambience and fine brews, Birdsong is a great example of a successful business, having moved to its new location in NoDa after running into capacity issues a couple of years if starting the brewery. The new location has everything the old one did – and some more.

Fitted with a much larger and better-looking taproom, the furniture comprises rustic wooden tables that have been crafted from trees which fell at the general contractor’s home. Armed with 18 new taps, Birdsong offers its old favorites like the Jalapeño Pale Ale along with seasonal favorites such as Up on the Sun Saison and the Doin’ Thyme Witbier. Despite having no kitchen, there’s always a food truck parked outside. And then there are the complimentary peanuts inside.

Contact Information:

Address: 1016 N. Davidson St., Charlotte, NC 28206;.

Phone: 704-332-1810

Website: www.birdsongbrewing.com

Not only is The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery one of Charlotte’s most well-known breweries, it is also the oldest. Popularly known as OMB, The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery first opened in 2009, and has since then remained at the forefront of the local beer market. It has recently moved to a much bigger facility of over 8.5 acres of area, which stands a little far from its original haunt in the Lower South End.

OMB specializes in serving its beers German-style, and the brewery itself resembles an old German beer hall. Both the spacious interiors (especially the beer hall) and OMB’s flagship Copper ale have their inspiration in the brew dens of Düsseldorf, the city which is most famous for the Altbier style. The outdoors of the Olde Mecklenburg too is quite the spectacle, with its huge biergarten and almost endless rows of communal tables that sit beautifully underneath the tall oak trees. A family-friendly brewery, the OMB has a fantastic kitchen which traditional biergarten staples such as bratwursy and soft, alongside classic American bar-foods such as wings and pizza.

The Olde Mecklenburg is known for adhering to the “Reinheitsgebot,” which is the world’s oldest purity guideline. According to this law, beer can have only 4 ingredients: yeast, hops, malt and water. OMB is also the home to several events and tours, most notable among them being the Copper and Take the Brewery tour (which have been helmed as the best nationwide by readers of USA Today), and Mecktoberfest (the recipient of the gold medal at the 2015 European Beer Star competition held in Germany).

If you want to try something that’s both local and fresh, and also offers the old world charm, then OMB is the brewery to go to.

Contact Information:

Address: 4150 Yancey Road, Charlotte, NC 28217

Phone: (704) 525-5644 (Braunhaus), (704) 525-5654 (Office)

Website: http://www.oldemeckbrew.com/

If you’re looking for a true and classic family farm where you can have a good time with your family, Hall Family Farm is the place to go. Located in Charlotte’s Ballantyne area, Hall Family Farm is a family-owned and operated farm that has been successfully in business for the past 70 years – and shows absolutely no signs of slowing down anytime soon.

While the farm originally grew cotton (something that they no longer do), they offer a wide variety of produce, from strawberries in the spring, to seasonal vegetables in the summer, to corn and pumpkin in the winter – and much more. One can buy these in their in-farm sales tent.

The services of this farm do not stop at food, however. Hall Family Farm offers several family activities, picnic tables and hayrides, along with children-specific activities. They also offer several refreshments and snacks in their sales tent for visitors to enjoy.

Contact Information:

Address: 10713 Providence Rd West, Charlotte, NC 28277

Phone: (704) 562-4021

Website: http://hallfamilyfarm.com

If you’re looking for a farm that’s a little set apart from the rest, you should definitely give Ross Farms a try. Located in the Queen City itself, Ross Farms is a perennial nursery that specializes in growing high-quality flowering plants. While they do not (and in fact cannot) grow hard-core gardening plants, they do have a very wide collection of perennials, which in fact make up 99% of everything they produce.

Ross Garden has perennials for all sorts of gardens, tastes and varieties. In addition to growing classic perennials such as hosta, phlox, peony and veronica, among others, they offer special perennials that specifically attract certain animals and insects, such as finch and honey bees. They also offer ornamental and designer plants, as well as groundcovers for decorative purposes. Ross Farms grows several hard-to-find varieties of plants as well.

No matter what sort of perennial you’ve been looking for, there’s every chance you will find it here.

Contact Information:

Address: 9424 Community House Road, Charlotte, NC 28277

Phone: (704) 543-6388

Website: https://www.rossperennialfarm.com

If you’re partial towards food that is absolutely natural, there’s no place like All Natural Farms. Located in Rutherfordton, All Natural Farms LLC specializes in producing and supplying premium quality organic meat. A family-owned and operated business, the farm, spread over 50 Acres, produces a wide variety of meat such as (but not limited to) grass fed lamb, Grass and grain finished Beef, free range chickens and Pasture Raised pork.

The farm raises their own meat, and makes it a point to not include any sort of antibiotics or added hormones. Their meat is flash frozen and vacuum sealed and thoroughly inspected and certified by the USDA.

Contact Information:

Address: Charlotte Regional Farmers Market, 1801 Yorkmont Rd, Building B, Charlotte, NC 28217

Phone: N/A

Website: http://allnaturalfarms.org

If you’re looking for a farm that offers a very wide range of products, you should definitely put Windcrest Farm at the top of your list. Founded by Ray and Mary Roberts Tarlton (who are also the co-owners and managers of Final Touch Construction Services), Windcrest is a family-owned and operated farm that is spread over an area of 14 acres and located in Monroe, 30 miles south of downtown Charlotte.

The farm is dedicated to biodiversity and sustainable agriculture principles and to that end, makes it a point to grow products and plants that are friendly to the ecosystem and to the customers. The farm grows over 250,000 flower, herb and vegetable plants every year, and includes rare plant varieties as well. True to their motto, all of their flowers and produce are Certified Organic by the USDA, using amendments that meet the standards of the National Organics Program (NOP), organic fertilizers and natural methods of pest control.

Besides farming, the farm supplies home gardeners and farmers markets, and conducts hand-on classes to guide gardeners and farmers at the beginning of their career on learning the tenets of sustainable agricultural practice.

Contact Information:

Address: Monroe, NC

Phone: 704-764-7746

Website: http://www.windcrestorganics.com

If you’re looking for a great farm with good produce, Poplar Ridge Farm is the place you should go to. Located 24 miles south of Uptown Charlotte, Poplar Ridge Farm small-yet-very-popular farm that offers some of the best produce in the Charlotte, NC area.

An Organic Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) farm that is certified by the USDA, Poplar Ridge Farm was founded by Marianne Battistone and Philip Norwood – athletes who have been involved in and made great contribution to the field of advanced nutrition and organic food movement since their teenage years. The family-owned and managed farm grows a wide variety of herbs and produce, which it sells through online orders and on-farm market stands, and also supplies to high end restaurants in Charlotte’s metro area. Rather than focusing on wholesale sales and farmers markets, Poplar aims to serve the local community and makes the local area its sole focus.

Contact Information:

Address: 1619 Waxhaw Indian Trail Rd S, Waxhaw, NC 28173

Phone: 704-843-5744

Website: http://www.poplarridgefarmnc.com/

Do you love hot air balloons? Then you must make it a point to attend this festival! Carolina Balloon Festival is a fun-filled weekend festival that takes place in the 3rd weekend of October, and includes a wide variety of attractions and activities – all revolving around hot air balloons. Taking place every year since 1974, the festival’s main attraction is the colorful and beautiful sight (and sound) of over 50 hot air balloons that launch twice daily against the beautiful autumn weather. There are also other balloon-related activities such as walk-in balloons and tethered balloon rides that can be enjoyed.

There are several that activities have very little to do with balloons as well, from stage magicians and an inflatable-filled Kids’ Zone for the small ones, bungee jump and wall-climbing for the adventurous, as beer and wine tastings for adults looking for a different kind of experience. Needless to say, one can never have a dull time at the Carolina Balloon Festival.

Contact Information:

Address: 260 Hangar Dr, Statesville, NC 28677

Phone: 704-818-3307

Website: http://www.carolinaballoonfest.com

Are you a history buff, or at least a fan of all things Medieval? In that case, you should definitely head over to The Carolina Renaissance Festival. Filled with costumed historical characters, one-of-a-kind entertainment and attractions, fun rides and games, thrilling live performances, and some of the best and most authentic food, this festival truly brings the medieval times to life and is a treat of all kinds.

The over 2-week long festival, which functions as an artisan marketplace and a Medieval amusement park definitely has a lot to do. A wonderful reconstruction of 16th century Europe, the annual festival features several top-line live performances such jousting knights, roaming jesters, fire jugglers, and aerial acrobats. There are various fun rides, such as Da Vinci’s Flying Machine, and more fun games than one can count! There’s also lot of opportunities to shop, and tasty, authentic food such as fish-and-chips and turkey legs.

Contact Information:

Address: 16445 Poplar Tent Rd Huntersville, NC, 28078

Phone: (704) 896-5555

Website: https://www.carolina.renfestinfo.com

Are you a fan of all things Greek? Then this festival is definitely the place for you to be!

One of the biggest cultural events of Charlotte, the Yiasou Greek Festival is (as the name implies) a Greek-themed festival that offers multitudes of activities that cater to all sorts of tastes and ages. From shopping and dining, to kids’ rides and play areas, to classy parties and wine tastings, and much more, there’s nothing that this festival does not offer to visitors!

Held in the second week of September, the Yiasou Greek Festival features authentic cultural exhibits that portray the history and richness of the Greek culture. There are also several live performances that will enthrall visitors, including nationally-renowned Greek bands, dance performances and live re-enactments. There a lot for the shopper as well, from belly dancing skirts and Greek jewelry to beautiful mementos and souvenirs. The festival also features several high-end wine tasting sessions and cooking demos.

Contact Information:

Address: 600 East Boulevard, Charlotte, NC 28203

Phone: (704) 334-4771

Website: https://yiasoufestival.org

If you’re looking for the best Latin experience, this uptown street festival is indeed the place to be.

A free, annual, street festival, the Hola Charlotte Hispanic Heritage Festival is one of the best representations of Latin culture in the state, and is filled with family-friendly, fun activities that everyone can enjoy. The largest Hispanic Heritage event in both Carolinas, the Hola Charlotte highlights the richness and diversity of the Latin way of life through art, music, dance, food and much more.

The festival takes place in the first week of October in Center City, and features nationally recognized entertainers as well as a constructed Latin American Village which highlights the culture and heritage of 15 different Latin countries.

Contact Information:

Address: N Tryon St. & W 6th St. Charlotte, NC 28202

Phone: 704-405-3170

Website: https://holacharlottefestival.com

Though not exactly an art museum in the strictest sense of the word, the Foundation for the Carolinas, with its very large art collection and good intentions more than qualifies for one. Founded in 1958, Foundation for the Carolinas is one of the premier organizations that has been working for the good of the people of the Southeast. Dedicated to strengthening communities, the Foundation works closely with several leading civic leaders, corporations, donors and non-profits for pursuing inspiring philanthropic endeavors.

Having moved to its current location in 2011, the Foundation For The Carolinas houses several pieces of high-end art. The facility is home to the Sonia and Isaac Luski Gallery, which is a classy and intimate setting that features some of the most innovative art. This interesting collection, which is characterized by its canvas of colors, sparkling glass and striking paintings, attracts thousands of visitors, if not more, every year and features leading contemporary painters such as Herb Jackson and Chuck Hose, as well as glass artists like Jon Kuhn, Dale Chihuly and Lino Tagliapietra, among many others. Most pieces in the collection have in fact been donated by Sonia and Isaac Luski, Cuban emigrants who arrived in the US with very few possessions and two paintings.

Contact Information:

Address: 220 N. Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28202

Phone: 704.973.4500, 800.973.7244

Website: https://www.fftc.org/

Interested in something that offers “art” and “civil war” in one sentence? If your answer is yes, head to the Levine museum of the New South! One of the most well-known and often-visited museums of the Southeast, the Levine museum of the New South has its theme in showcasing the history and legacy of the “New South,” i.e. the time, places and people from 1865 till date – from the good to the bad and everything in-between.

Founded in 1991, the avant garde museum features a very wide variety of art pieces that represent and portray this history. Suitable and informative for both children and adults alike, the Museum offers several different kinds of opportunities for education, benefit, as well as enjoyment – all while providing a suitable historical context and an emphasis on further deliberation and discussion.

The museum fully believes in giving back to the community that it is a part of, and to that end takes up a portion of the community’s fiscal responsibilities by offering generous scholarships to the talented. In addition to portraying history, the museum also believes in building one that the future generations can cherish.

Contact Information:

Address: 200 E 7th St, Charlotte, NC 28202

Phone: 704-333-1887

Website: http://www.museumofthenewsouth.org/

If you’re looking for an art museum that goes much more beyond simply featuring collections, the McColl Center for Art + Innovation is the place for you to be. One of the best homes for contemporary art in the Queen City and beyond, the McColl Center for Art + Innovation  is a one-of-a-kind contemporary art center that aims to foster a better relation between art, artists and the wider community that it thrives in.

Located in Uptown Charlotte, the McColl Center for Art + Innovation is housed in a historic, neo-Gothic church, and has a wide gallery space of 5,000 square-feet. With over 7 studios for artists, the museum features some of the finest contemporary pieces. It also holds ground-breaking exhibitions, programs to connect artists with visitors, workshops and community outreach programs.

Contact Information:

Address: 721 N Tryon ST, Charlotte, NC 28202

Phone: 704-332-5535

Website: http://mccollcenter.org

Not only is the Mint Museum North Carolina’s oldest museum, it is also one that features the largest collection in Southeastern US. A very popular not-for-profit, visual arts institution, the Mint museum features a very wide range of art from all over the world in a series of innovative collections. Located in two places – Mint Museum Randolph and Mint Museum Uptown, the Mint Museum is known for its inspiring ambience, never-seen-before exhibitions, ground-breaking educational programs, and generous scholarships.

Both facilities features some of the world’s most renowned collection, such as the Craft + Design collection that can be seen in the Uptown facility, and some of the most outstanding and prominent pieces of European, contemporary, and of course American art. The amenities for visitors are many as well, and include an auditorium, art studios, several separate galleries, a restaurant and cafe, as well as an exclusive museum shop.

Contact Information:

Address:

Mint Museum RANDOLPH: 2730 Randolph Road, Charlotte, NC 28207

Mint Museum UPTOWN: 500 S Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28202

Phone: 704-337-2000

Website: http://www.mintmuseum.org

If you’re looking for a museum that features the best of the classics as well as the modern, you should put the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art on top of your list. Located in Center City, the museum is housed in a terra-cotta-tiled building that has been designed by the famous architect Mario Botta, and makes for some of the Queen City’s most inspiring structures.

While the museum is indeed young in terms of its own age, it is not so in terms of its collection. In fact, the museum’s collection was until recently the private collection of the Bechtler family of Zurich, Switzerland, and was largely not seen by the American audience.

With a collection of art that has been accumulated over a course of 70 years, the Bechtler Museum of Modern Art features the work of iconic 20th Century artists such as Calder, Giacometti, Warhol and Miró, among others. It also features several letters, photographs and books, which portrays the relationship between the Bechtler family and the artists that have been featured in the collection.

Contact Information:

Address: 420 South Tryon Street Charlotte, NC 28202

Phone: 704.353.9200

Website: http://www.bechtler.org

If you love a classic, quaint setting, you must definitely consider visiting the SOCO Gallery. Located in 1920s bungalow in Charlotte’s iconic Myers Park, SOCO Gallery displays the work of both seasoned and emerging artists from all over the world.

The gallery displays a total of 6 carefully curated exhibits every year, featuring the freshest of works by the most interesting of contemporary artists. All exhibits are followed by talks, interactions, programs and book signings to allow visitors to make a more profound connection with the art. The gallery also features a bookshop, a clothing store called Tabor, and seasonal “pop-ups” such as “Not Just Coffee” in order to keep things interesting.

Contact Information:

Address: 421 Providence Road, Charlotte, NC 28207

Phone: (980) 498-28

Website: http://www.soco-gallery.com

If you would like to visit an art gallery that has a certain theme to it, then The Harvey B. Gantt Center should be the ideal place for you. Located right in the middle of the business district of Charlotte, the Harvey B. Gantt Center, which is one of the several institutions that form the Levine Center For the Arts, has its main theme as the celebration of African-American culture through all forms of art – dance, music, film, theater, and of course, visual art.

True to its theme, the Center is located in the area which was formerly a prominent African-American community, and stands as a very stylish and beautiful building that is modeled after Myers Street School (a former school in the district) and primarily exhibits creations which portrays issues that are relevant to the community. One striking feature of the building is the ‘Jacob’s Ladder’ – which was a part of the school – and aimed to spread the concept of educational advancement and enlightenment.

The Harvey B. Gantt Center also houses The John & Vivian Hewitt Collection of African-American Art, which features works by several prominent African-American artists such as Henry Ossawa Tanner, Jacob Lawrence, Jonathan Green, and Elizabeth Catlett.

Contact Information:

Address: 551 South Tryon Street, Charlotte, NC 28202

Phone: (704) 547-3700

Website: http://www.ganttcenter.org

Another one of the “slightly-new/slightly-old” art galleries of Charlotte, the Shain Gallery is renowned for featuring a very diverse range of artists and genres. So if you’re someone whose taste is very diverse, you’ll find this place perfect. Established in 1998, the Shain Gallery is located in Myers Park and represents more than 50 different kinds of artists and their works. Believing in having “a little bit for everyone,” the gallery features a host of different things – from gentle floral designs, to landscapes and cityscapes and even abstract oil paintings.

They even make sure to have a local representation, currently featuring the works of Trip and Laura Park – a pair of artists who also happen to be a married couple! Shain Gallery also hosts solo shows by artists such as Carol Bodiford, Dennis Campay, and Andy Braitman, among others.

Contact Information:

Address: 2823 Selwyn Avenue Charlotte, NC 28209

Phone: 704.334.7744

Website: http://www.shaingallery.com

If you would like to visit an art gallery that’s meaningful yet not too macabre or serious, then you must consider paying the Hidell Brooks Gallery a visit. Opened in 1998, the Hidell Brooks Gallery features an interesting collection of exquisite sculptures and beautiful paintings of the contemporary kind.

Working on the belief that art should be accessible to all, Hidell Brooks has featured – and continues to feature a wide variety of contemporary artists in what can be called a classy and airy, yet laid-back setting, where the youngest of art enthusiasts would feel welcome and comfortable.

There’s a different exhibit every 6 to 8 weeks, which means that there is surely no dearth of works to discover. What really sets the museum apart, though, is the fact that they don’t hold exhibits on theme – they simply use their gut and features the pieces that they feel are right. They also make it a point to include the work of underrated and budding artists. It is all of this and more that makes the art lover’s journey all the more interesting when visiting this place.

Contact Information:

Address: 1910 south blvd. suite 130, Charlotte, NC  28203

Phone: 704.334.7302

Website: http://www.hidellbrooks.com/

If you’ve been looking for a brand new art gallery with brand new collections, this is just the place for you. Launched in as recent as March 2013, the Latin American Contemporary Art Projects Gallery (LaCa Gallery in short) is a one-of-a-kind initiative that features a unique type of art in its aim to start a whole new trend altogether.

Hoping to become “a premier resource” in the U.S., the LaCa Projects Gallery is located on Bryant Street, and features the works of contemporary Latin-American artists, most of whom are in the beginning or in the middle of their career. They do, however, feature the work of experienced artists as well, such as those of Rufino Tamayo, the Mexican modern artist with a 70-year-long and counting career span. The gallery also makes an initiative to encourage interaction between visitors and artists by including studios where the artists regularly come in and create their work on-the-spot.

Contact Information:

Address: 1429 Bryant Street, Charlotte, North Carolina 28208

Phone: +1 704 837 1688

Website: http://www.lacaprojects.com